Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,694
Est. from TN median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,491
Est. from TN median (4 programs)

Analysis

Union University's accounting bachelor's appears to track closely with Tennessee's accounting market, where similar programs produce first-year earnings around $52,000. At an estimated $23,500 in debt, the 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably within industry normsβ€”you're looking at manageable monthly payments for a field where steady employment tends to be the rule rather than the exception. The school's 47% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest reasonable academic preparation, which matters in accounting where credentialing requirements demand rigor.

The challenge here is that while peer Tennessee programs suggest stable outcomes, Union sits in the middle of the pack for a state where accounting programs bunch together tightlyβ€”there's only about a $2,000 spread between most programs. You're essentially paying for Union's private school environment without clear evidence of better placement outcomes. Accounting is a profession where credentials and passing the CPA exam matter more than institutional prestige, which levels the playing field considerably.

For a numbers-oriented student committed to accounting, this program looks financially viable based on what similar Tennessee schools achieve. The debt burden won't be crushing, and accounting jobs exist across industries. However, if your child is still exploring majors or you're concerned about cost, Tennessee's public options deliver comparable results at likely lower total cost. Union makes most sense if its smaller campus culture or faith-based mission provides value your family specifically wants.

Where Union University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Union UniversityJackson$38,450$51,694*β€”$23,491*β€”
Tennessee State UniversityNashville$8,568$53,620*$50,033$29,250*0.55
Lee UniversityCleveland$22,690$53,577*$70,035$16,750*0.31
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$53,197*$71,799$22,000*0.41
Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis$13,920$52,373*$56,398$54,989*1.05
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$51,963*$59,969$24,553*0.47
National Medianβ€”$53,694*β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Union University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.